old-growth

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈgrōth 

: of, relating to, or being a forest characterized by the presence of large old trees, numerous snags and woody debris, and a multilayered canopy and that is usually in a late stage of ecological succession

old growth noun

Examples of old-growth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Public opposition to old-growth logging also played a role, causing California lawmakers to toughen rules on clearcuts and logging on steep hillsides and stream banks. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Visitors can explore historic sites, paddle the Clearwater Canoe Trail, ride horses through old-growth forests, and see a 1,000-year-old larch tree. — Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026

The Forest ensuite tents are back among the old-growth cedar and hemlock rainforest, a more secluded, moody, and deeply immersive nature experience. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026

By the early 1990s, 90 percent of the Willamette’s old-growth forests had already been chopped down and rendered into sundecks and pleasure boats. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for old-growth

• ingrowth
• outgrowth
• both
• doeth
• growth
• loath
• oath
• quoth
• sloth
• troth
• undergrowth

Kids Definition

old-growth

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈgrōth

: of, relating to, or being a forest characterized by the presence of large old trees, dead standing trees, and fallen rotting trees and that is usually in a late stage of development